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EPA: Public Hearing on Lead Renovation, Repair
and Painting Program Rule

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold a public meeting on March 29 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to receive comments from the public on the proposed Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program rule. The meeting will be held in the Environmental Protection Agency, East Building, 1201 Constitution Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20460, Room 1153.

The Washington, D.C. meeting is one of five scheduled around the country during the comment period ending April 10. Other cities where meetings will be held include: Atlanta; Chicago; New York; and San Francisco.

EPA is proposing some simple but effective work practices that can reduce potential exposure to dangerous levels of lead for residents, especially children. These work practice standards and training requirements would apply to persons engaged in renovation, repair and painting activities, for compensation, that disturb lead-based paint in housing built before 1978.

The new proposal is one component of a comprehensive program that will also include training and an education and outreach campaign to promote lead-safe work practices. The rule change is designed to help meet the goal of eliminating childhood lead poisoning as a major health concern by the year 2010.

The proposal and additional information can be accessed on the Internet at www.epa.gov/lead/ and can be found in the Federal Register, for January 10, 2006, (Volume 71, Number 6) [Proposed Rules] [Page 1587-1636]. Persons interested in scheduling a presentation (limit 10 minutes) should contact Mike Wilson at wilson.mike@epa.govor 202-566-0521.